Babybirds: Starlings

This large airy room overlooks the park so the toddlers can wave at tractors trundling past. Active toddlers benefit particularly from physical play and love our daily trips into Highfield Park where their gross motor development is enhanced through crawling, balancing, climbing, walking. Safety is of paramount importance so the toddlers wear reins. Outdoor activities are a core part of Ladybirds Nursery and there is a dedicated baby garden in addition to the main garden which incorporates a mud kitchen. 

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Busy, busy, busy - the toddlers love to explore and throw themselves into messy activities using glue, paint, play dough and water. Opportunities for discovery play are plentiful and help children find out about objects; their size, shape, texture, colour, sound, smell and function. Regular story, singing and instrument sessions punctuate the day. 'Choosing boards' allow children to select toys/activities by pointing if their language is still developing.

We provide breakfast, cow’s milk and healthy snacks across the day. Lunch and tea you provide which we can heat and serve. We have the highest level 5 food hygiene rating from Environmental health. The toddlers sit around a table together so the social aspects of meal times can be reiterated and good manners emphasised.

Toddlers are extremely active and will require a nap after lunch. Individual mini bed mats are made up with bedding you provide from home to aid familiarity and relaxation. Children sleep for as long as they need to ensure their batteries are recharged for the afternoon. Potties and small toilets are available for toddlers who are ready to start toilet training.

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We operate a ‘keyworker’ approach where a designated member of staff is the bridge between nursery and home.  They oversee your toddler’s emotional, social and physical wellbeing.  Strong bonds are established with the family which helps the toddler settle and self-confidence develop.  Keyworkers are skilled at taking observations, photographs and videos to chart children’s progress.  These are uploaded to an online learning journal for parents to log on securely. 

Occasionally a child may have special needs and require an individual support plan. Verbal feedback is given daily along with a brief written report and supplemented with two consultations evenings per year.  A newsletter is distributed every 6-8 weeks outlining the learning theme across the whole nursery and provides suggestions for how you can support learning at home.